Computer Integrated Manufacturing Programs in Higher Education.

This publication focuses on computer integrated manufacturing (CIM) programs at several higher education institutions which teach the use of computing in manufacturing. The document describes programs at the following institutions: University of Alabama (where researchers are investigating CIM techniques with a key focus on transferring their research to CIM packages easily implemented by small businesses); the University of Cincinnati's Center for Computer Integrating Manufacturing (where an outreach arm introduces manufacturers to CIM techniques, an educational arm offers undergraduate courses and employee retraining programs, and the research arm works to integrate the manufacturing process); Fox Valley Technical College (where affiliation with local businesses and responsiveness to the requirements of regional manufacturers has made it a leading CIM institution); University of Missouri-Rolla (which has constructed a CIM Center where undergraduates in a manufacturing technology program and senior/graduate-level students in an interdisciplinary course design and make products); Pennsylvania College of Technology and its 71 career-oriented programs (which provide hands-on education to more than 4,000 students); University of Southwestern Louisiana (which has joined with industry to revitalize Louisiana industry through technical innovation, procurement assistance, training and research facilities, and a new CIM center for the apparel industry. (JB)